6 murders in 4 weeks [1]
Wednesday, March 7, 2018 - 18:13
There have been six alleged murders in Tonga since February 4. The latest occurred on Sunday 4 March when a 24-year-old man died after he was stabbed during a fight at Fangaloto.
Most of the victims died as a result of stabbings. The victims include two Chinese nationals. Two of the six alleged murders occurred before Cyclone Gita struck Tonga on February 12.
Summary of Alleged Murders in Tonga (4 Feb – 4 March)
4 February: A man from Pea, Tolifili Tu'alau (27), was found dead with stab wounds near a road in Fatai on a Sunday night 4 February. His alleged killer is Hateni Kaufusi (32) of Te’ekiu, who was charged with murder the next day 5 February.
9 February: A young dentist Dr. Sione Lau'i was severely beaten with a baseball-bat by a security guard in a carpark outside Nauti Ruby’s bar on Friday night 9 February. Sione was taken to Vaiola Hospital where he passed away six days later on 15 February. The security guard was charged with murder but his identity has not yet been announced by Police.
13 February: An 18-year-old mother ‘Ailine Finau was confronted by her boyfriend Lotu Tu’itufu (18) near Vuna road on February 13. Lotu Tu’itufu attacked ‘Aline with a machete and she died on the spot. The killing occurred the day after Cyclone Gita struck Tonga.
25 February: The bodies of a middle-aged Chinese couple, Mr and Ms Wen, were found dead with stab wounds at a bush allotment at Matafonua on 25 February. Their alleged killers were two teenage boys aged 17 and 15 – who were both arrested four days after the murder. It was later revealed that the boys had escaped from prison.
March 4: A 24-year-old man Tino Tupa was stabbed during a brawl at a drinking party in Fangaloto on Sunday March 4. A 21-year-old man was charged with murder the next day.